Health, Safety, & Security

Risks Vs. Rewards Of Studying And Traveling Abroad

Study abroad is essential for everyone seeking to become more knowledgeable of our world and how we live together on one planet. Everyone’s tolerance for risk differs, and it is important for students to have a serious discussion with loved ones about what risks and uncertainties they are willing to assume.

Given the value that CIEE places on the study abroad experience—it is our mission, after all—we are willing to offer programs throughout the world, confident that we are helping the world become a better, safer place. We believe that through exposure to other societies, cultures and ideas our students can in fact, “change the world.”

Our Support

When incidents and events do happen, we anticipate that some of our participants may struggle in the aftermath. We are prepared to help all of our students come to terms with the situation and determine their next steps. Should any participant wish to discuss returning home early, our staff stands ready to work with them, compassionately and respectfully, to help chart a path forward that includes full understanding of any academic and/or financial consequences. We will advocate, to the best of our abilities, with local universities, but we do not control the academic policies of host country universities. We can also help students explore alternative methods of securing academic credit, should that be possible. Of course, we will also continue to support in every way possible those participants who wish to continue their studies abroad.

Health and Safety Alerts

Latest announcements

There are media reports of clashes between demonstrators and police forces in Brussels related to immigration protests. Students were cautioned to avoid all demonstrations, most have departed for the holidays, and CIEE Brussels has received no indication that the demonstrations have impacted any...

According to local media reports on 15 December, up to 40 people have been detained so far in Paris in connection with the ongoing, fifth instalment of the Yellow Vest protests. So far, the protests have proved to be considerably smaller than the previous Yellow Vest demonstrations. Footage...